Experience Botswana

Days

10

Price from

$5,100USD

Incredible nature, landscape and culture awaits in brilliant Botswana

The yearlong water supply of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River makes Botswana a hotbed of wildlife. Add in natural wonders like the Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, and you have one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most impressive lands. Round out the adventure with a festive evening with the San Bushmen and time spent in cosmopolitan Windhoek.

Experience Botswana

Incredible nature, landscape and culture awaits in brilliant Botswana

The yearlong water supply of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River makes Botswana a hotbed of wildlife. Add in natural wonders like the Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, and you have one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most impressive lands. Round out the adventure with a festive evening with the San Bushmen and time spent in cosmopolitan Windhoek.

BOGO Asia Adventure Cruising

Bring a travel companion for free when you book select Asia Adventure Cruises before November 30th.

BOGO Asia Adventure Cruising

Bring a travel companion for free when you book select Asia Adventure Cruises before November 30th.

Terms & Conditions
Applies to 2 customers booking and travelling together sharing a cabin on Asia Adventure Cruising departures in December 15, 2018 - February 28, 2019 only.
BOGO offer can only be booked by calling 1 855 832 4859 if you are in the United States or 1-800-663-5132 if you are in Canada. It can also be booked by contacting the Peregrine Adventures team on live chat. The dark blue Live Chat icon can be found in the bottom right-hand corner of this page.
This offer will not be applied if you book online.
Offer applies to trip codes PACK, PATM, PAPI, PACIC, PAKIC.
May not be combined with any other offer. All other standard booking conditions continue to apply.
Standard Booking Conditions
The offer applies to bookings made between November 7 - 30, 2018, and is for trips departing in December 15, 2018 - February 28, 2019.
The offer applies to trip codes PACK, PATM, PAPI, PACIC, PAKIC. See the 'Important Notes' section of our 'Trip Notes' or contact our sales staff if you are unsure if your desired trip is excluded.
The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Peregrine Adventures at time of booking.
A deposit of $600 is required at the time of booking.
Full payment is required at least 56 days prior to travel. If booking and travelling with less than 56 days to go until departure, full payment is needed at the time of booking.
There will be no extensions to the booking, travel or payment periods.
The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the discounts be applied to existing bookings.
The offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other offers.
The offer cannot be applied to airfares, trip kitties, travel insurance, extra accommodation, single supplements, visas, etc.
Peregrine Adventures Booking Conditions will also apply to the trip booked and it is imperative that you examine those conditions before booking with Peregrine Adventures. The most up-to-date Booking Conditions are accessible at https://www.peregrineadventures.com/booking-terms-and-conditions.
As outlined in the Peregrine Adventures Booking Conditions, travel insurance is compulsory for all Peregrine Adventures travellers and should be taken out prior to or at the time of booking. See the Booking Conditions for more details.
Trip prices and itineraries are subject to change at any time, including after booking. If there is a significant price change to a trip that is outside the control of Peregrine Adventures (i.e. a significant increase in third party service provider costs), travelers may need to be re-invoiced at the new price. Promotions and discounts will still apply to the new price.

Why you'll love this trip

The thundering Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, a phenomenon of sight and sound. Then return to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, our feature stay on this trip, for views over their watering hole.

A morning Game drive in the Chobe National Park get you up close and personal with gnus, zebras and other wondrous wildlife.

Head out on an afternoon excursion to the Makgadikgadi Pans, looking out for meerkats and meandering elephants, and enjoy a sundowner in the shadow of an old baobab tree.

Enjoy dinner as you watch the sunset from the deck of your houseboat on the Okavango Delta.

Riding a traditional dugout canoe along the Okavango Delta is but one of many ways you'll experience the ambience of this beautiful waterscape.

Learn more about the Kalahari from the knowledgeable San people as they sing and dance with you by the campfire.

Is this trip right for you?

This itinerary includes two nights on a houseboat in the Okavango Delta. Cabins are very small and basic with shared bathroom facilities. It's unlikely, however, that you'll spend much time in your room.

Purpose-built overland vehicles are used for the duration of the trip. It is important to note that while these vehicles are not air-conditioned, all windows do open to allow for fresh air. Be prepared for some dust, heat and wind.

The early morning game drive in Chobe National Park is in an open 4WD vehicle, and it can be quite cold in the morning. It's important to bring some warm clothes with you.

This itinerary features some long travel days, which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads. It is recommended that you pay close attention to the given approximations of driving hours.

You don't have to be an athlete to take a Peregrine overland safari, but a general level of physical movement is required. For example, simply entering and exiting the vehicles several times a day will require a certain level of physical fitness and capability.

Overlanding is the perfect journey for those travellers with an open mind and the spirit for adventure. However it may be quite different to any style of travel you have experienced before. Ask your agent for a copy of our Peregrine overlanding flyer for more information or head to http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/africa-overland.

Botswana temperatures rise in the hot dry period of September and October before the rains hit and temperatures can get as high as 34-38°C. Not all accommodation will have air-conditioning ( especially the Houseboat and San Bushmen Lodge ). This is quite common across Africa, particularly in remote locations where lodges or camps operate on solar power or generators.

Botswana is a very seasonal destination. What you see and experience can differ quite dramatically depending on the time of year you visit. Please consider this before you choose your departure date. See the 'Climate and Seasonal' section for more details.

As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Excellent optional activities include a boat cruise along the Zambezi, morning and afternoon game drives, or walks in the Zambezi National Park. You might also choose an awe-inspiring helicopter flight over the Falls and the Zambezi Gorges. Tonight you will dine at the incredible Boma Restaurant, whose menu has been known to include warthog, buffalo, crocodile, impala and more. Throughout the meal you'll be entertained with local song and dance. Everyone is given an African drum and encouraged to join the party. If you don’t wish to join in with the drumming you may wish to choose an earlier session for dinner.

Accommodation

Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Victoria Falls - The Boma Dinner & Experience

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)

Meals Included

Dinner

Special Information

You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all our travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.

This morning you will visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, named by Dr David Livingstone in honour of his English queen. One of the world's true natural wonders, Victoria Falls form the largest sheet of falling water in the world, when in full flow. Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds. After your tour, you will return to your lodge, where the rest of the day will be at leisure.

Accommodation

Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit

Optional Activities

Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD110

Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins) - USD175

Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD334

Victoria Falls - Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river - USD50

Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD50

Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD140

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.

Follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (100km approximately 2–3 hours, not including border formalities). You will arrive at your lodge at around midday. There you can relax by the pool or take an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. This can be arranged locally with your leader. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge located just outside Chobe National Park.

Accommodation

Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)

Optional Activities

Chobe National Park - Game Drive - BWP295

Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise - AUD270

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Special Information

If you choose to do the optional game drive or river cruise this afternoon there will be an additional 70 Pula fee to enter the National Park.

This morning you will enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast.
In the afternoon, embark on a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River, an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise which has a toilet and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a G&T as the sun goes down on the river.

Accommodation

Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Extra layers of clothing are essential here for the early morning Game drive in an open vehicle.

Heading south, you will continue your journey (410km approximately 6 hours) to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion. Witness the immensity of this sprawling salt flat, one of the largest in the world. Later you will head to Gweta Lodge, located near the edge of the pans. In the afternoon, leave the lodge in an open game vehicle to and travel out to the Nxaisini pan. Here you’ll sit out in the wild enjoy sundowners and snacks while observing the amazing scenery. With the aid of trackers you’ll spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony, and look out for elephants that meander their way down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. Soak in this incredible place while the sun sets behind the old beautiful baobab. Back at the lodge, relax in the lounge area while you take in your surroundings and reflect on the day's adventure.

Accommodation

Gweta Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience

Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset & Sundowner

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Accommodation for this evening is in simple but comfortable rondavels equipped with ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets. These rooms have an outdoor enclosed shower & toilet.

After breakfast this morning, it's time to head to Maun, the gateway of the Okavango Delta (approximately 4 hours). For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place. Otherwise, the afternoon yours to spend as you please.

Accommodation

Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (1 night)

Optional Activities

Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight - From USD75 - USD390

Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD150 - USD450

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

The scenic flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the plane/helicopter.

Venture to the Okavango Delta (350kms, approximately 6 hours) and board your speedboat. This will take you to your home for the next two nights, a houseboat in the middle of the delta. You will need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip, as there won't be room for everyone's full luggage. The houseboat has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided (however, no single supplement is available on these nights). There is also a dining area on the deck, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a small collection of books and board games. As evening falls, head to the deck, where your captain will serve dinner. Grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and witness the often breath-taking sunset. This is a unique and memorable way to experience the Delta – not really for what you do, but more for the absence of anything to do. The sounds of hippos breaching and grunting, cicadas trilling and a million mosquitoes seduce you blissfully into the night.

Accommodation

Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Okavango Delta - Houseboat River Cruise

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Cabins are very small and basic, but it is of course unlikely that you will be spending much time in them.

This morning after breakfast you will take a speedboat and 4WD to a nearby poling station. From here you will experience the myriad waterways in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro) with a local guide. Your guide will also take you on a short nature walk around one of the many Islands in the Delta. After a picnic lunch, return to the houseboat for some relaxation time. You might like to read a book or do some fishing. In the evening, enjoy a drink, pull up a chair and witness the often breathtaking sunset before your captain serves up dinner once again on the deck.

Accommodation

Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Included Activities

Okavango Delta - Mokoro tours & game walks

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Meals Included

Travel on to Ghanzi, the 'Capital of the Kalahari' ( 400km approximately 7 hours). Your accommodation tonight is at a community project in Ghanzi and is a much more basic than what you will encounter throughout your journey. However, the concept and experience of the lodge is well worth it. The lodges we use here support the local San Bushmen and supports the San D'Kar community through employment. The San People are renowned as the most skillful trackers on Earth and have an extraordinary knowledge of the Kalahari for both plants and animal tracking. If time permits you may choose to do the optional walk. Here you will be shown the wide variety of both edible and medicinal plants, while also tracking a variety of animals and learning about their habits. Of course, you will also spend quality time with your guides to understand their very different world view. Later a traditional San/Southern African meal will be served in the communal lounge and dining area. You will then experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushman around the campfire. This is a real cultural experience and a great way to get to know the local Bushmen. On special occasions this could be a healing or trance dance, which can continue all night, and is an intense spiritual experience for both participants and visitors alike.

Accommodation

Dqae Qare San Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Optional Activities

Central Kalahari - Bush Walk - BWP80

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

In the shorter days of winter unfortunately there may not be enough time to do the optional walk.

Cross the border into Namibia today and head to Windhoek (560km approximately 9 hours, including border formalities). While you're here, perhaps take a look at the excellent German architecture of Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus (co-operative).

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

This is the longest travel day on this itinerary so be prepared for a day of inactivity on the truck.

It's best not to book any flights out of Windhoek tonight. The airport is a one-hour drive from town, and although you should comfortably make it to the hotel in Windhoek by 5pm, it can be difficult to get to the airport in time for outbound flights. No accommodation is included for tonight, but can be requested at your own expense.

Days

10

Price from

$5,100USD

Incredible nature, landscape and culture awaits in brilliant Botswana

The yearlong water supply of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River makes Botswana a hotbed of wildlife. Add in natural wonders like the Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls, and you have one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most impressive lands. Round out the adventure with a festive evening with the San Bushmen and time spent in cosmopolitan Windhoek.

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Important notes

1. An optional single supplement is available on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for more information. Please Note: the single supplement does not apply to the nights spent on the Houseboat (2 nights) or the lodge in Ghanzi.
2. Okavango Houseboat: It is important to know that the cabin sizes in the houseboat are smaller than a standard room. It would be best to pack a day pack for these 2 nights and leave any excess luggage with the truck. This will make it easier for you to get on and off the houseboat and to store a day pack as opposed to your backpack.There are no ensuite rooms on the houseboat, so the bathroom facilities will be shared.
3. Ghanzi lodge: The lodges used here support the local San D'Kar community and is owned and run by the San Bushmen people. This is a unique, cultural Kalahari experience and the standard of accommodation may be below what you would expect on a Peregrine trip - but the experience is well worth it.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.